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Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has called for organisers to make the pitches a little friendly for the bowlers in T20 cricket. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday, May 23, Lee said that he loves watching entertaining cricket where sixes are hit, but bowlers need to be given a say in the game. The Indian Premier League has seen a massive amount of high-scoring matches this season.
In fact, three of the highest totals in the history of the IPL have been hit in 2024. The tournament has already seen the most number of sixes hit this season and there are still two more games to be played. Speaking at a press conference arranged by the Legends Intercontinental T20 League, Lee said that it is really hard on bowlers that 250-run totals are becoming a norm in today’s T20 game.
“I am all for sixes and batters getting out there and smoking balls all over the field. But there’s gotta be something in it for the bowlers too,” Brett Lee said, responding to IndiaToday.in’s question.
“I’m not asking for a green top where, you know, teams bowled out for 100 and 110 because that’s not good cricket, either. But you know you want a good total. I think anywhere around the 185 mark to 230 I think is a good score.
“We’ve seen scores now from 265 to 270 to 277. It’s really hard because most bowlers now go for 45 to 50 runs off four overs. So do we accept that bowlers are now happy with 9 to 10 runs per over? Or are we happy to say that the wickets have been a little bit better for the batsman? So a bit more for the bowlers is a bit more of a competition, but I still love seeing six hits because it’s entertaining,” he added.
SOMETHING LIKE A FREE HIT FOR BOWLERS?
Asked how he would prevent frequent high scores, Lee joked that the bowlers need to be given a free throw at the stumps when the batters miss two balls in a row.
“I’m happy if we can do something like the free hit. The batsman gets a free hit right? So maybe if the batsman misses two balls in a row, the bowler gets to have a free throw at the stumps,” Lee further added.
Speaking in the same panel, former Sri Lanka opener Tillakaratne Dilshan said with the grounds getting smaller and smaller, the only way to help the bowlers is to give them a better pitch. The former T20 World Cup winner argued that a balance between the bat and ball needed to be maintained for a good game of cricket.
“I think those days 150 was enough, now 200-250 is not enough. I think Lee is right. T20 now is only about batting, there is no chance for spinners and fast bowlers, even the boundaries are very small, around 65-70 yards. If you miss-hit it still goes for a six. miss it. Miss. It is going to be six,” Dilshan added to Lee’s point.
LEGENDS INTERCONTINENTAL T20 LEAGUE
USA-based Brosid Sports LLC on Thursday announced the launch of the inaugural edition of the Legends Intercontinental T-20 League during a press event at Shangri-La in New Delhi. The league, featuring legendary stars from various continents, is scheduled to take place from August 16 to 28, 2024 at Moosa Stadium in Texas, USA.
Gracing the occasion were former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel and Australia’s legendary pacer Bret Lee, who lend their esteemed presence as brand supporters of the Legends Intercontinental T-20 League.
The league’s CEO and former first-class cricketer, Vishal Sharma, unveiled the teams, tournament schedule and marquee players for what promises to be a cricketing spectacle.
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